[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 69 (Thursday, April 10, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17544-17545]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-8740]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-134-AD; Amendment 39-13110; AD 2003-07-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 Airplane

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to a single McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 airplane, that 
requires repetitive tests for electrical continuity and resistance and 
repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the fuel boost/
transfer pump connectors; and corrective actions, if necessary. This 
action is necessary to prevent arcing of connectors in the fuel boost/
transfer pump circuit, which could result in a fire or explosion of the 
fuel tank. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective May 15, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
DC10-28A228, including Appendix, Revision 02, dated December 7, 2001, 
as listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director 
of the Federal Register as of August 12, 2002 (67 FR 45053, July 8, 
2002).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach Division, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data 
and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). This information may 
be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip C. Kush, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone 
(562) 627-5263; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to a single McDonnell Douglas Model 
DC-10-30 airplane was published in the Federal Register on January 3, 
2003 (68 FR 320). That action proposed to require repetitive tests for 
electrical continuity and resistance and repetitive inspections to 
detect discrepancies of the fuel boost/transfer pump connectors; and 
corrective actions, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the Proposed AD

    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness 
directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to 
altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of 
compliance. However, for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we 
have retained the language of the NPRM regarding that material.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has 
advised that it currently is developing a modification that will 
address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once this 
modification is developed, approved, and available, we may consider 
additional rulemaking.

Cost Impact

    This AD applies to one McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10-30 airplane 
and that airplane is of U.S. registry. It will take approximately 65 
work hours to accomplish the required tests and inspections on that 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the AD on the single U.S. operator is 
estimated to be $3,900, per test or inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
the operator has not yet accomplished the requirements of this AD 
action, and that the operator would not accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a 
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial 
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory

[[Page 17545]]

Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2003-07-14 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13110. Docket 2002-NM-
134-AD.

    Applicability: Model DC-10-30 airplane, fuselage number 0106, 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: The requirements of this AD are identical to those in AD 
2002-13-10, amendment 39-12798, which applies to Model DC-10-10, -
10F, -15, -30, -30F, -30F (KC10A and KDC-10), -40, and -40F 
airplanes, and Model MD-10-10F and -30F airplanes; as listed in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-28A228, including Appendix, 
Revision 01, dated July 16, 2001; and Model MD-11 and -11F 
airplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-28A112, 
including Appendix, dated December 11, 2000.


    Note 2: Airplane fuel tanks on which the fuel/boost pump and 
wiring connector have been physically removed and the fuel tank made 
inoperable are not subject to the requirements of this AD.


    Note 3: This AD applies to the airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. If the airplane has been modified, altered, 
or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD 
is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent arcing of connectors of the fuel boost/transfer pump, 
which could result in a fire or explosion of the fuel tank, 
accomplish the following:

Repetitive Tests and Inspections

    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do 
tests (using a digital multi-meter and Quadtech 1864 megohm meter or 
an equivalent megohm meter that meets current and voltage 
requirements, as specified in the service bulletin) for electrical 
continuity and resistance and a general visual inspection to detect 
discrepancies (e.g., damage, arcing, loose parts, wear) of the fuel 
boost/transfer pump (alternating current pumping unit) by 
accomplishing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-28A228, including 
Appendix, Revision 02, dated December 7, 2001. Repeat the tests and 
inspection thereafter every 18 months. Although the service bulletin 
refers to a reporting requirement using the Appendix of the service 
bulletin, such reporting is not required.

    Note 4: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

Corrective Actions, If Necessary

    (b) If the result of any test required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD is outside the limits specified in the service bulletin 
identified in that paragraph, or if any discrepancy is detected 
during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before 
further flight, accomplish corrective actions (e.g., replacement of 
connector/wire assembly with serviceable connector/wire assembly, 
and replacement of the pump with a serviceable fuel boost/transfer 
pump), as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-28A228, including 
Appendix, Revision 02, dated December 7, 2001. Although the service 
bulletin refers to a reporting requirement using the Appendix of the 
service bulletin, such reporting is not required.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

    Note 5: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin DC10-28A228, including Appendix, Revision 02, dated 
December 7, 2001. The incorporation by reference of that document 
was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 12, 2002 (67 FR 45053, July 8, 2002). Copies may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group, Long Beach Division, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: 
Data and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 15, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 4, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-8740 Filed 4-9-03; 8:45 am]
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